- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,050
- 18,903
Japan's foreign resident population reached a record 4.12 million at the end of 2025, according to the Immigration Services Agency. That is an increase of 9.5% from a year earlier. It is the first time the total has gone over 4 million.
At the same time, the number of foreign nationals overstaying their visas fell. As of 1 January this year, there were 68,488 overstayers, down 8.5% from the previous year. It was the second year in a row that the figure declined. The agency also said arrivals rose sharply. The number of foreign nationals entering Japan last year reached 42 million, up 15.4% from the previous year and surpassing the 40 million mark for the first time.
Among those deported under written deportation orders, 318 were returned at Japan's expense, escorted by officers. That was up 27.7% from a year earlier and the highest figure on record. The government has been trying to reduce the number of overstayers through a programme launched in May last year. The agency says the recent decline in overstayers is likely linked to those efforts, though the exact impact is unclear.
Applications for refugee status in 2025 totalled 11,298, down by 1,075 from the previous year. Of those, 187 people were recognised as refugees, a slight drop of three. Applicants from Afghanistan made up the largest group, at 123. Separately, 474 people were granted quasi-refugee status. This category applies to those fleeing conflict but who are not recognised under the U.N. Refugee Convention. Ukrainians accounted for 386 of the total.
www.japantimes.co.jp
At the same time, the number of foreign nationals overstaying their visas fell. As of 1 January this year, there were 68,488 overstayers, down 8.5% from the previous year. It was the second year in a row that the figure declined. The agency also said arrivals rose sharply. The number of foreign nationals entering Japan last year reached 42 million, up 15.4% from the previous year and surpassing the 40 million mark for the first time.
Among those deported under written deportation orders, 318 were returned at Japan's expense, escorted by officers. That was up 27.7% from a year earlier and the highest figure on record. The government has been trying to reduce the number of overstayers through a programme launched in May last year. The agency says the recent decline in overstayers is likely linked to those efforts, though the exact impact is unclear.
Applications for refugee status in 2025 totalled 11,298, down by 1,075 from the previous year. Of those, 187 people were recognised as refugees, a slight drop of three. Applicants from Afghanistan made up the largest group, at 123. Separately, 474 people were granted quasi-refugee status. This category applies to those fleeing conflict but who are not recognised under the U.N. Refugee Convention. Ukrainians accounted for 386 of the total.
Japan’s foreign resident population hits record 4.12 million
The figure is a 9.5% increase from a year earlier, the Immigration Services Agency said Friday.
